The former NHLer sat with the Snakes in the dugout during yesterday's game against the Edmonton Cracker-Cats. Saturday, he'll suit up to take the field with them as the Vipers host the Yuma Scorpions in a doubleheader.

"He took (batting practice yesterday), and he's gonna take BP two or three times this week, and he's going to be activated next Saturday," said Vipers president Peter Young. "He could hypothetically see action in both games that day. He will get an at-bat -- at least that."

Thanks to a promotional dispensation from the Golden League, Fleury will be on the Vipers' active roster all day.

If he impresses and the score makes it feasible, Young suggested the former Calgary Flames star could even find himself playing second base for an inning.

Designated hitter is the more likely spot for Fleury to make a pro sports comeback.

The brilliant marketing move has been in the works for a while, but Fleury is no Billy Crystal -- the actor who signed with the New York Yankees for one game.

"I think there's a better chance of Theo making contact than Billy Crystal," said Young with a laugh. "He's gonna get his hacks, anyway."

If things go well and Fleury has moderate success as a player -- or puts an additional 2,000 butts in the Foothills Stadium stands -- Young says there's potential for future appearances. After all, the Golden League once allowed former major leaguers Rickey Henderson and Jose Canseco to suit up for home games with the San Diego Surf Dogs.

"I can't see us doing it for the playoffs," Young said. "But we would certainly look at extending him the opportunity."